'Pacquiao can earn Floyd fight by beating Bradley'

ABS-CBN News

Former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley believes Filipino ring icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao can prove himself worthy of a shot against Floyd Mayweather by beating Timothy Bradley Jr. on April 12.

Pacquiao is attempting to avenge a June 2012 loss to Bradley in a welterweight rematch for the WBO title, and Corley told On the Ropes Boxing Radio that an impressive performance may just land Pacquiao a fight against the pound-for-pound king.

“I’d like Manny Pacquiao to win the rematch only for one reason – so he can prove himself to fight Floyd Mayweather,” said Corley.

That being said, Corley doubts Pacquiao can pull off a victory. The Filipino was on the losing end of a controversial decision two years ago, and Corley believes Bradley can win convincingly this time around.

“I think Timothy Bradley is a stronger, (more well-) conditioned fighter than Manny Pacquiao,” said Corley, who has won titles at light-welterweight. “I really think Timothy Bradley is gonna win this fight.”

“Timothy Bradley has improved a lot, and he’s been in some tough fights, so he can sit in there and bang with Pacquiao more than he did the last time,” he added.

“Not only that, but if you notice, he was beating Manny Pacquiao with a messed up ankle (in the first fight),” Corley said.

Bradley injured both of his feet in the first fight, and had to attend the post-match press conference on a wheelchair.

Pacquiao and Bradley touch gloves again on April 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.